The convenience store had just begun to settle after the chaos of the villain's rift. Shelves were crooked, soda cans rattled, and faint scorch marks dotted the counter. But Bella wasn't worried about cleanup—she was curious.
Her eyes landed on a dusty shelf behind the counter. Bottles of amber liquid gleamed under the fluorescent lights. Whiskey.
"…Humans actually drink this?" she muttered, tilting a bottle and inspecting the label. "Fermented grain… distilled… aged. Interesting."
Nyx peeked over the freezer door, eyebrow raised. "Bella. You're seriously considering that? It'll mess you up."
Bella smirked faintly. "I've survived demons, curses, and being kidnapped. I think I can handle fermented grain." She twisted the cap, poured a small amount into a cup, and sniffed. The scent made her nose twitch. "…Strong, but intriguing."
Vario, still in his human form for the moment, leaned against the counter, wings folding quietly. "You're going to regret that."
Yuwen flicked her tail lazily. "Oh, this will be entertaining."
Bella raised the cup to her lips, took a careful sip… and immediately coughed. The liquid burned her throat, seared her taste buds, and made her eyes water.
"…Fascinating," she muttered between coughs. She tried again, this time less elegantly, and grimaced.
Nyx laughed, pointing. "Yep. That's why humans don't just chug this like water."
Vario pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're going to destroy the counter—or yourself."
Bella set the cup down, looking contemplative. "It is… harsh. Yet it has potential. I could see myself… using this strategically."
Yuwen rolled her eyes, though her tail flicked with amusement. "Only you would think whiskey could be a tactical advantage."
Bella smirked, brushing off her hands. "Of course. Everything can be tactical… if you know how to use it."
Nyx shook her head, laughing. "Alright. That's it. I'm officially terrified of the night shift now. You guys don't just fight villains—you drink them too."
The store settled back into a strange calm, the hum of the fluorescent lights blending with the faint aroma of whiskey. Bella took another careful sip, thoughtful, as if tasting the essence of human chaos itself.
And in the corner, Vario and Yuwen exchanged glances, silently agreeing: the night shift had officially gone completely off the rails.